Depth of Field

A toy train track thru the MP-65mm F2.8 Macro

When I started with photography now over a decade ago it was with a Zentith 122 as some one you, who have been following the blog might know. Ofcourse I had no clue about this ‘thing’ called the depth of field, all I did know was that times not everything in my photographs were sharp and I was not too happy about it. (The 50mm F2 on the zenith was excellent)

The thought at the time was what’s the point in taking a photograph if you cant see everything ‘clearly’!

It was not long before I moved on to a new camera leaving behind my Zenith and with it the fascination of getting everything clear.

Over time the desire to have everything sharp died and gave rise to a new desire to have more and more of the photograph ‘blurred’. Working with the MP was a novel experience, without any Photoshop at all this photograph clearly shows the focal line in the photograph with as shallow a depth of field as I have experienced.

When I think of the importance of the depth of field in photography I end up at a concert where an orchestra is playing and then while the rest of the musicians fade out to create the background score the Cello does a solo recital.

Its as if you can cut out all the chaos in a fish market to hear a conversation between two people.

Mango- The Star

Having fun on a shoot !!!

Back to Dust

A Portrait

Many years ago when I was traveling Gujrat with CARE we came upon this unique family in the desert very close to both the Arabian Sea and Pakistan, just before the BSF post. While the land seemed most hostile and parched, the clothes of the women more than made-up for the lack in colours. This particular lady not only had the colourful clothes but a unique body language and pose that caught my eye. Completely unaware of the 600mm of optics that helped me take this shot without intruding her space she stood there as if waiting for me to take the photograph!

The Qutub

I am sure you'll understand if I was to tell you that I'd be happy with this shot if it was mine, why not!
And even though I did not take the photograph its more than the joy of the visual that I experience.
Sarah joined ' The Art of Photography' classes at St. Stephen's this year with a point and shoot camera.
As the classes progressed with a little nudging from me and the growing desire to control the camera she was able to convince her dad to help her get an SLR! I don't know how much if at all I have taught Sarah but if alone for helping her convince dad I shall take my share of credit.
Its great to see such great work! Well done Sarah!

Dadi

Dadi

Sanjeev

Sanjeev

After much debating and logical thinking I finally gave in and got my 20D a 50mm 1.8 lens.
Every time take her out for a shoot I am filled with pride, over all the years she has been with me and is still going strong.